11-10-2012 News Release 12/200

Dhaka (ICRC) – In South Asia's leading moot court competition, six top law schools from India, Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will vie on 12 and 13 October for the regional title in the eighth Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition on international humanitarian law.

The two-day event, jointly organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Dhaka International University, will raise its curtain on 12 October at BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka. The chairman of the National Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh, Professor Mizanur Rahman, will address the inauguration ceremony.

This year, the problem addressed will be: The Prosecutor vs Mr Mavej Minnohi charged with wilful killing of civilians and genocide against opponent groups. Three budding lawyers from each team will present oral and written arguments on this hypothetical case before a mock International Criminal Court.

The University of Dhaka, which swept the national title of the competition this year, is representing Bangladesh in this debate competition that helps students explore the dynamics and scope of international humanitarian law.

Shyikh Mahedi from the University of Dhaka, who was named Best Advocate in the national round, says that the competition lays the ground for honing students' research, advocacy and oratory proficiency. "The contest has been an exciting experience. We are acquiring important skills which will set us in good stead for any career path we choose."

The winning team from the regional contest will qualify for the Asia-Pacific round to be held in Hong Kong in early 2013.